Nominees of the 3rd Music awards of Nagaland, 2011

Frozen Heart:  Formed in 2010 this band has created a name for itself within a short span of time by winning the 1st Christian Rock Contest where the frontman was also adjudged the best vocalist.  They also won ‘Tachaura’ 1st Open National Rock Contest including awards for Best vocalist, best guitarist and best drummer. The band has also performed at various local and regional shows as well as on ‘Lets Rock’ on national TV.
Song title : Shine (Rock)        Code :  R1

Ongphang I. Huang’s:
  A student of BA 1st Year at Patkai Christian College, this 19 year old aspiring singer from the Chang community expresses his despair at the turmoil and chaos in this world today but in spite of all this is the positive message that with our longing for peace there is hope that together we can indeed make this world a better place to live in.
Song title : Better Place (Pop)
Code : P3


Ongphang I. Huang’s:  A student of BA 1st Year at Patkai Christian College, this 19 year old aspiring singer from the Chang community expresses his despair at the turmoil and chaos in this world today but in spite of all this is the positive message that with our longing for peace there is hope that together we can indeed make this world a better place to live in.
Song title : Better Place (Pop)
Code : P3


Khaghi Le Kungo (Old melodies): Born in 1934 at Naghutomi village, Niwoto Chishi’s  music has inspired and touched the hearts of countless people especially amongst the Sumi community. A talented singer, songwriter and composer he has also published the Sumi hymnal songs several times. He served as Pastor and Choir Director at Sumi Mission Centre, Aizuto from 1956 to 2002 and has led several village choirs to win at various choir competitions. His first album ‘Paje ye Immanuel’ was released in 1978! His talent has been passed on to his children and grandchildren who now have also formed groups in many Sumi churches all over Nagaland. This song was sung along with his five daughters when he was aged 78!
Song: Thimoke dolo lepheni (Gospel)    Code : G3

Khaghi Le Kungo (Old melodies): Born in 1934 at Naghutomi village, Niwoto Chishi’s  music has inspired and touched the hearts of countless people especially amongst the Sumi community. A talented singer, songwriter and composer he has also published the Sumi hymnal songs several times. He served as Pastor and Choir Director at Sumi Mission Centre, Aizuto from 1956 to 2002 and has led several village choirs to win at various choir competitions. His first album ‘Paje ye Immanuel’ was released in 1978! His talent has been passed on to his children and grandchildren who now have also formed groups in many Sumi churches all over Nagaland. This song was sung along with his five daughters when he was aged 78!
Song: Thimoke dolo lepheni (Gospel)    Code : G3

Alobo Naga & The Band:
  A contemporary progressive rock band formed in 2010 comprising of five accomplished musicians, these guys are hell-bent on creating good music! The band boasts of two Grade 8 certificate holders from Trinity School of Music London, two former members of well known bands and also a turntablist.
The band has several shows to its credit both within and outside the state. The song ‘Painted Dreams’ was selected as the theme song of the prestigious International Short Film Festival 2011 –Guwahati.
Lineup : Alobo Naga- Vocals, Guitar, Piano, Bamhum
Theja Khate- Drums/percussion/vocals
Akum Jams- Guitar/Ukulele/vocals
Fung Walling- Bass/vocals
DJ Sumika Yepthomi- Turntable / Guitar/vocals
Song title : Painted Dreams (Rock)
Code :  R2


New Born Starz: Born on 12th June 2010, this band  consists of four enigmatic and power packed performers – Lipok & Alem (vocalists) and  Meyu & Wati (Rappers). They share a common interest in writing songs, dancing and hanging out just to kill the time..
‘Young, hip and mind boggling’ is how they define their music and themselves!
Song title : Made in the air  (Hiphop/ Rap)
Code : HR1


Arenla Lkr:
Coming from a God-fearing Christian background with parents and siblings who share a deep love of music, it is no surprise that music runs in her blood and till date she has released two albums titled Ajungmeso Vol I & II.
Apart from her passion for music Arenla Lkr is a social worker and also holds an M. Th degree from Bangalore.
The song ‘Peleseta atar’ is about preparing oneself in spirit, longing for and joyfully awaiting the coming of Jesus.
Song title : Peleseta atar (Gospel)    
Code : G6


Rough Justice:  Formed in the year 2009, this four piece band from Kohima went on to win the runners-up spot in the Summer Jam 2010 and credit their band’s success to the support of the Aries foundation.
Lineup : Vito Achumi (Vox), Tito A. Chishi (Bass), Nabo Itachi (Drums), Aolen Ozukum (Guitars)
Song title: Ashes of soul (Rock)
Code: R3


Imtisoa aka Snatch:  Interested in music since childhood, he & his friends would gather together to make rhymes, beat box or street rap. He has worked on the music for ‘Heartbeat’, a Nagamese film and and is currently recording his solo album ‘Pedigree’. He has also performed at Miss Dimapur pageant and at various shows in Dimapur and Kohima. He says that making it big in music here is not easy but at least after years of struggle he is finally getting some recognition for his songs such as ‘Come again’, ‘Pedigree’ etc. and though he has had no formal training in music his performances have earned him a good fan following on Youtube, Facebook and Myspace.
Song title : Come again (Hiphop/ Rap)
Code : HR2


Jack Pucho : This praise & worship leader at Spirit of Faith Church, Dimapur started his musical journey performing rock music during his teens. However, the turning point in his life and his conversion into a gospel musician began at Patkai Christian College and since then there has been no looking back for this immensely talented guy.  He took a three year music course at PCC under the tutelage of Margaret Shishak and is a versatile musician who also plays the drums, classical guitar and keyboards.
‘Loving Arms’ co-written with Alem Alia Jr is from his second album ‘Where I belong’.
He hopes that his music will motivate and inspire people, especially the youngsters, to grow spiritually.
Song title : Loving arms (Gospel)        Code : G5

Project of Evolution (POE):  Formed in 2007 this band consists of Imsu (vocals), Imna (lead), Jongshi (rhythm), Merenti (drums) and Akum (bass). The band was also nominated during the first edition of the Music Awards.
As the name suggests, they aim to carry a hopeful message to the youths not to go astray and believe that a person must undergo constant renewal and evolve into a new reformed soul to serve God even in the changing fortunes of time.
Song title : Evidence (Rock)
Code :  R4


Imli Lee a.k.a. Dejavu:   A Christian rapper, Imli released his debut album ‘Dejavu for Christ’ early this year. He is already working on his next album on which he plans to experiment with different musicians and genres of music. This year is his second nomination and he wants to encourage other musicians to be open with music and expand its richness. He says “No matter how many times you have to, just make sure your participation in anything will have its positive effect”. His wishes and prayers are that Nagaland will produce more and more Gospel artists and make Christian music the center of all. The song “Dejavu” is a testimonial song inspired by his own experiences in life.
Song title: Dejavu  (Hiphop/ Rap)
Code : HR3


Diethozo Thakro:  He started singing at the age of fourteen  and his profound love for music has kept him going till now.  A well known singer on the Gospel circuit, his performance in the rock opera Juketa Nuou (The prodigal son) in 2008 has earned him a lot of fans.
His tastes in music range from pop, rock, power ballads and even R&B. He regards music as his first love as it expresses so much about him and definitely wants to keep on singing till his last breath!
Song title : A kecha  (Gospel)
Code : G4


Aosunep Jamir:
  This talented singer who clinched the runner-up spot in Naga Idol ’07 likes watching TV, listening to music and reading. His favourite artists include Arnel Pineda, Joey Tempest and Eric Martin and likes rock, blues rock and pop. A government servant by profession he has also released an album ‘Born Free’ in 2008.
His desire is to see the talented musicians of Nagaland live a comfortable life through music as a secure profession.
Song titles :
1) I can still survive (Rock)    Code : R5
2) Kü meimla (Pop)    Code : P2


Chuba Aier: A teacher by profession, he enjoys listening to music, singing and composing songs. ‘Yimdongyala’ sung along with Bendang Imchen and Imti Longchari is taken from the album ‘Penli’. It is a song dedicated to all women. The song is about the beautiful essence of a woman as a daughter, sister, wife and mother  and their role as leaders and mediators in life.
Song title : Yimdongyala (Folk Fusion)    Code : F2

Yanger Aier:
Director of John Mission Ministry, Dimapur which he runs along with his family, Yanger holds an M. Th degree from South Korea and is married with two kids. His ministry mainly  focuses on the many hostels  in and around  Dimapur,  teaching  and  bringing  the youths  closer  to God and  equipping  them  to be capable leaders and bring  about  a change for the better.
His hobbies include singing, traveling and teaching. Till date, he has recorded and released four audio albums in Ao dialect and recently released his first video album titled “Naro Tajung”. The song “Temeruktet” (Clean/pure) is a song inspired by Psalms no. 24. which talks about  life and  afterlife in God’s Kingdom which  only  the pure  and clean  in heart  and in spirit will inherit.
Song title : Temeruktet (Gospel)
Code : G7


Best B4 24 Months:  Believe it or not the name of the band was taken from a lip guard gel cover as a joke but soon was taken seriously and the name stuck like gel!
The band won the runners-up place in the Metronome Beat Contest 2006 and have also played a couple of gigs locally.
This punk band from Dimapur consisting of Imdong (vocals) Sangpo (guitars) Toshi (Bass) and Ajem is influenced by bands such as Sum41, Simple Plan and Good Charlotte
Song titles :   
1) Tonight (Rock)    Code : R6
2) Evening star (Pop)    Code : P4


Rokovotuo feat. Alem Alia :  Best known for winning the Naga Idol 2007, Rokovotuo had dreamt of becoming a singer since he was eight years old.  Becoming the Naga Idol 2007 has paved the way for him to realize his dreams and since then he has performed at various important occasions and made him a household name throughout the state.
The song  ‘Emotions’ written by Alem Alia Jr is a ballad from his debut album ‘Book of love’.
Song title : Emotions (Pop)
Code : P1


3O1: A group of rap, metal and rock loving youngsters influenced by Lil Wayne, T.I., Hollywood Undead etc. this motley crew vents their frustrations and displeasures in their songs. Blending their varied tastes in music they have come up with a song that they say belongs to a completely new genre.
Lineup :  Imjungben Pongener, Moajungshi Lkr, Yemjong Khoni (Vocals),  Saru Aier (Guitars), Along Lcr (Bass), Temjenwapang Jamir (Drums)
Song title: Breaking myself free (Hiphop/ Rap)
Code : HR4


Azalimi Lejo: A very popular female Gospel group among the Sumi community, Azalimi Lejo consists of three teachers, one policewoman and a homemaker.  In spite of their other commitments they have performed extensively since 2006 at many crusades, musical nights, various WSBAK programmes and also at Upper Assam and their songs have been widely appreciated wherever they have performed.
Lineup : Zhetoli V. Zhimomi & Boholi K. Kits (Soprano) Atoli H. Achumi (Tenor), Inashi S. Shohe & Toliho K. Zhimomi (Alto).
Song: Apu ye ame kusho (Gospel)
Code: G2


True Sowers: First formed in 1982 with three members, they started singing in the local church and gained popularity by touring more than a hundred villages mostly in the interior areas to spread the gospel! The group has composed more than 60 gospel songs till date.
 After 12 years of singing the group was disbanded and reformed again in 2010 with four new members replacing two old ones. The present members consist of a teacher, pastor and college students.
Song title : Ampeu ni opi wonla (Gospel)    Code : G1

Alobo Naga: This talented Christian artist, composer and a songwriter who holds a Grade 8 vocal certificate from Rock School under Trinity School of Music, London displayed his passion for music at a very tender age. He was named the best vocalist and best performer in ‘Summer Jam 2003 and was also the winner of NE India audition for International Music Competition and Festival at Shilpgram, Guwahati. His composition “HE-YO HE” was chosen as the Modern Ethnic Naga Folk Dance music in Hornbill Festival 2010 and now is composing “Naga Folk War Dance Music” for the said festival.
Currently working as a vocal trainer, he is also the worship leader in Sumi Baptist Church Dimapur.
Song titles : Kumsujulo (Folk Fusion)    Code : F1



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